Rahul Sharma's santoor plays ragas to rock

As he takes the stage on Sunday, the modern maestro talks about staying relevant and more

- By Manjusha Radhakrishnan Entertainment Editor

The santoor may be steeped in tradition, but Indian classical musician Rahul Sharma is redefining what it means to be a modern-day maestro. From collaborating with Grammy winners and composing for Bollywood legends to jamming with his son on futuristic tracks, Sharma proves that an ancient instrument can still make waves in an ever-evolving music landscape.

In this exclusive interview, Sharma talks legacy, rebellion, and why the santoor doesn’t need to shout to be heard. “Playing an instrument that brings inner calm and peace, and travelling the world performing at prestigious festivals — that’s being relevant and cool,” said Sharma, ahead of his concert in Dubai on Sunday.

The santoor has always had this ethereal, meditative quality — how do you keep it cool and relevant in a world chasing Al-generated beats?

Ethereal, meditative and serene is already cool — I don’t need to make a conscious effort. Playing an instrument that brings inner calm and peace, and travelling the world performing at prestigious festivals — that's being relevant and cool.

Do you ever feel like the santoor is misunderstood or underrated — and are you reclaiming space for it?